Policy capacity training and mentorship

What is it about?

This article describes a policy training and mentorship program developed inside the Government of Prince Edward Island for civil servants, students, and recent graduates. The program was designed to strengthen policy capacity by helping participants build practical skills, connect policy theory with real government work, and learn from experienced public servants. The article explains the program’s design, purpose, learning activities, and participant feedback. It also reflects on how public servants can use academic ideas in practical training settings. The article offers a useful example for governments, educators, and practitioners interested in building policy skills through hands-on, workplace-based learning.

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Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This article is important because it shows how governments can strengthen policy capacity through practical, workplace-based learning. Rather than treating policy skills as something developed only through formal education or experience over time, the article describes a structured training and mentorship program that helped participants connect policy theory with real public service work. It is useful for governments, educators, and practitioners interested in developing future policy workers, supporting early-career professionals, and making policy learning more applied. The article also offers a concrete example of how public organizations can invest in their own people and build policy capacity from within.